The 9 best sports bars in Sydney with lively ambiance and crowd
Any sports fan would totally get it–watching a live game hits different when you’re at one of the best sports bars in Sydney.
With big LCD screens and a wide selection of leagues and tournaments, you’ll definitely enjoy watching your favourite team while sipping a cold beer.
However, it can be overwhelming to pick a place to go, especially with many amazing sports bars available in Sydney.
To help you choose, we’ve pulled together a list of the best sports bars around the city. So, invite your friends, pick your spot, and don’t worry – even if your team loses, at least the vibes won’t disappoint.
1. Churchills Sports Bar
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Website: https://www.churchillsbar.com.au/
Address: 536 Anzac Parade, Kingsford NSW
Phone: +61 2 9663 3648
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6:00 AM to 5:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Churchills is one of the most popular go-to hubs for anyone who lives and breathes sports. It’s decked out with a huge sports wall covered in HD screens that stream live sports 24/7.
From the English Premier League, cricket, rugby union, UFC, and even wrestling, this place leaves no sports fan behind. They even have Trackside, KENO, and TAB betting, with seven gambling stations for your convenience.
The atmosphere here is very exciting. Even if your favourite team is not performing well, you’ll be carried away with the crowd, keeping your spirit high until the end of the match!
Furthermore, they offer a large bistro menu, a wide selection of local and imported beers, triva, poker, and more. You can take advantage of their free pool every Monday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and a free sausage sizzle from 3:00 PM every Saturday.
Pro tip:
Sign up and acquire membership at the bar. This will give you exclusive offers and discounts. Also, you will receive free weekly email and SMS updates to stay up to date with upcoming live sports action.
2. P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub
– Media credit: pjobrienssyd
Website: https://www.pjobriens.com.au/sydney/
Address: 57 King St
Phone: +61 2 9290 1811
Business hours: Open 24/7 daily
If you’re looking for a sports bar with a touch of Irish culture, P.J. O’Brien’s is for you. As you enter, you’ll see its warm, wooden interiors and hear the sounds of traditional Irish music.
This place is known for hosting special events during major sports tournaments. For instance, during the State of Origin series, they set up several massive screens and offer ice-cold beer to the fans.
They showcase both live games and replays, ensuring you never miss a moment of your favourite matches.
P.J. O’Brien’s serves lunch and dinner, featuring a menu that blends classic Irish dishes with contemporary pub favourites. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of Guinness, international whiskies, beers, and wines, depending on their preference.
Additionally, there are live music performances from Thursday to Sunday, with acoustic soloists, duos, and traditional Irish sessions. This place is perfect for everyone who wants to unwind and relax.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy live Irish music every Sunday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring Kelly’s Heroes with jigs, reels, ballads, and classic sing-alongs!
3. The Light Brigade Hotel
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Website: https://lightbrigade.com.au/
Address: Oxford St &, Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW
Phone: +61 2 9357 0888
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
The Light Brigade Hotel was established over 140 years ago. It has big screens showing all the live action – from AFL to cricket, rugby, and international events.
This venue has four distinct levels, including Brigade Bar, Brigade Bistro, Brigade Lounge, and Brigade Rooftop, where you can chill and watch your favourite sports.
The Brigade Bar, located on the ground level, is the best place to catch all major sports games. Bookings are not required, you can just do walk-ins and approach the staff.
Meanwhile, for those who want to enjoy fabulous sunsets and city views, you can stay at Brigade Bistro. But, if you want a more intimate atmosphere, you can opt for the Brigade Lounge, which offers well-crafted cocktails and delectable eats.
Among the four levels, Brigade Rooftop is the best place to dine alfresco. Sitting 83 metres above sea level, you can now enjoy the view of the Sydney skyline.
Keep in mind that only people 18 years old and above are permitted in this area.
What sets this bar apart is the energy of the crowd, especially on big game nights. Whether you’re with your friends or solo, it’s easy to feel like you belong.
Pro tip:
Follow Light Brigade Hotel’s socials or check the website for sports night promos–they sometimes offer drink deals, giveaways, or themed nights during major finals or tournaments.
4. Courthouse Hotel
– Media credit: courthousehotel
Website: https://www.courthousehotel.com.au/index.php
Address: 202 Australia St, Newton NSW
Phone: +61 2 9519 8273
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The Courthouse Hotel offers $15 VB jugs from siren-to-siren for the full fan experience, so many AFL fans love this place.
Inside, the vibe is classic and comfortable, with well-maintained pool tables and pinball machines.
And on the menu, they have local beers and a solid range of wines and cocktails. In case you are hungry, you can order from the bistro some of its delicious snacks like schnitties, juicy burgers, and loaded nachos.
What really sets the Courthouse Hotel apart is its beer garden. It’s an open-air courtyard with picnic tables under trees, perfect for watching long game nights.
However, the garden tends to get crowded at night, especially on game days. So, if you’re planning to watch a big match, you need to get in early to have a good spot.
Pro tip:
You can visit their Judgement Bar’s for its lively and warm atmosphere. This is a perfect spot for private functions, casual get-togethers, or intimate celebrations.
5. 24/7 Sports Bar at the Star
– Media credit: sportsbar_syd
Address: 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW
Phone: +61 2 9777 9000
Business hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Sports Bar at The Star offers one of the best viewing experiences in Sydney. The place has six massive screens and over 50 LCD TVs, making every game feel like a big event for their guests.
Whether you’re into AFL or any international sport, you’ll get a front-row seat to all the live action.
Additionally, Fuel – the bar’s in-house restaurant – serves classic favorites. You can try their burgers and pair them with a cold beer.
There’s also a great selection of local brews and wines to keep you refreshed throughout the game.
For those who love betting on sports, the Sports Bar features Australia’s first paperless TAB. where you can place your bets easily without missing any of the action on screen.
Pro tip:
If you are a group with more than seven guests, book a Private VIP booth – the best seats in the house with a prime view of the mega screen and full table service.
6. The Golden Sheaf
– Media credit: goldensheaf
Website: https://www.thegoldensheaf.com.au/
Address: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026
Phone: +61 2 9327 5877
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Another great spot to catch live sports in Sydney is the Golden Sheaf. It has a relaxed vibe with a perfect mix of a classic Aussie pub feel.
When you go downstairs, there are about eight big screens, showing all the major sports. They’ve got pool tables too, where you can challenge your friends between games.
You should try their food options like mushroom and mozzarella risotto balls and prosciutto flatbread. Their food is made from high-quality ingredients, making them a perfect pair with a craft beer or a slick cocktail.
What really stood out was their lively weekends.
On Fridays, there’s a DJ pumping tunes, while every Saturday features a live band to make the vibe even livelier. On Sundays, they offer a chilled atmosphere with DJs and a free pool in the Sports Bar.
If you want a change of scenery, the rooftop bar is cool, where you can find a good spot and grab a cocktail.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the $10 margaritas and $5 tacos every Friday night. They’re crowd favorites!
7. York 75 Sydney
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Website: https://merivale.com/venues/york75/
Address: 2/75 York St.
Phone: +61 2 9114 7319
Business hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
York 75 is known for its impressive setup featuring 20 huge screens–two of which are in 3D–for a more exciting show. This bar offers a classic vibe, designed with mahogany walls and large, cozy booths.
One of the things you must try here is the private booth. It can accommodate up to eight people with personal LED screens and dedicated table service. This is perfect for intimate gatherings or small groups who want to enjoy the game in privacy.
They also offer dishes, which are good for sharing plates with friends. Try their gourmet sliders, crispy calamari, and flavourful flatbreads paired with ice cold beer.
Additionally, the space is available for rent for special events like birthday parties or corporate functions. Just approach one of their staff and they will be happy to assist you with the booking process.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of their happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, where they offer drinks at discounted prices and enjoy the kitchen’s all-day service from noon onwards.
8. Huxley’s
– Media credit: huxleysbar
Website: https://highfieldcaringbah.com.au/huxleys/
Address: 32 Banksia Rd, Caringbah NSW
Phone: +61 2 9531 4999
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5:00 Pm to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:30PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Huxley’s offers a unique blend of American-inspired cuisine with Italian influences, and is also a fantastic spot to watch live sports.
Multiple TVs are strategically placed throughout the bar, ensuring that guests can catch all the action from various angles. Whether you’re seated at the bar or in one of the cozy booths, you’ll have a clear view of the games.
In addition, Huxley’s enhances the viewing experience by offering their guests a wide selection of classic American dishes and drinks. The menu includes pizza, fresh salads, draft beers, and cocktails.
The venue also offers daily specials, including $12 cocktails from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and eat-all-you-can pizza midweek.
Beyond food and drinks, this place hosts live music and comedy nights to establish a lively atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for their midweek food and drink specials to get the most out of your visit without emptying your wallet.
9. The Lady Hampshire Camperdown
– Media credit: ladyhampshire
Website: https://www.theladyhampshire.com/
Address: 91 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW
Phone: (02) 9072 4831
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 1:30 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Lady Hampshire features a beer garden and a separate dining room. It can accommodate a variety of events, including sports viewing and birthday parties.
In fact, the big front bar shows live sports on most weeknights. You can cheer for your favourite players while enjoying your iced cold beer.
However, if you visit on a weekend evening, you’ll get to enjoy a fun live show with bands, featuring local and international artists.
The venue is also known for its free-to-enter quiz nights and $20 dinner and drink deals, adding to the overall sports bar experience of the guests.
Pro tip:
Join the VIP Club to receive 20% off for your first order as well as discounts and other exclusive offers.